Victory in the House: Marriage Equality Bill Passes

Wilmington – Today the Delaware House of Representatives approved HB75, landmark legislation that extends the freedom to marry to loving gay and lesbian couples.

“The history-making vote in the House represents just how ready for marriage equality Delaware is,” said LisaGoodman, Equality Delaware president. “Constituents from up and down the state are reaching out to their lawmakers to express their support for treating everyone equally under the law. And legislators are hearing that message, from both Democrats and Republicans, loud and clear.

A strong majority of Delawareans support marriage equality. Recent polling indicates that 54 percent of state residents back marriage for gay and lesbian couples.

Equality Delaware commends the tremendous leadership in the House by lead sponsor Melanie George Smith, House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf, Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, and each member of the House who co-sponsored and supported this legislation.

The Senate is now expected to take up the marriage equality bill. The Governor has vowed to sign the legislation into law.

Equality Delaware is the statewide organization working to ensure and promote dignity, safety, and equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Delawareans.